5-C-Alkyl-3-O-arylmethyl or substituted arylmethyl-1,2-O-alkylidene-α-

ABSTRACT

5-C-alkyl-3-O-substituted arylmethyl-1,2-O-alkylidene-α-D-xylo-pentodialdofuranoses, 5-C-alkyl-3-O-substituted arylmethyl-1,2-O-alkylidene-α-D-gluco- and β-L-ido-pentofuranoses. The compounds exhibit herbicidal activity and especially pre-emergence herbicidal activity against grasses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to 5-C-alkyl-3-O-arylmethyl and substituted arylmethyl-1,2-O-alkylidene-α-D-xylo-pentodialdofuranose, α-D-gluco- and β-L-ido-pentofuranose derivatives and to the application of such compounds as herbicides and plant growth regulators. The invention also relates to the preparation of such compounds.

The laboratory preparation of 3-O-benzyl-6,7-dideoxy-1,2-O-isopropylidene-α-D-xylo-heptofuranos-5-ulose and/or 3-O-benzyl-6-deoxy-1,2-O-isopropylidene-α-D-xylohexofuranos-5-ulose for academic studies is described in Carbohydrate Reearch 31 (1973), pages 387-396; Carbohydrate Research 29 (1973), pages 311-323; Bulletin of the Chemical Society of Japan, 51 (12) (1978), pages 3595-3598; Journal of Organic Chemistry 44 (1979), pages 4294-4299; Journal of Organic Chemistry 46, (1981), pages 1296-1309; Journal of Organic Chemistry 27, 2107 (1962); Chem. Ber. 102, 820 (1969); Carbohydrate Research 26, 441 (1973); and Helv. Chem. Acta. 56, 1802 (1973).

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,116,669, 4,146,384 and 4,330,320 and German Patent DS 2,860,975 disclose a broad range of tetrahydrofuran derivatives and attribute herbicidal activity to these derivatives. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,919,252, 4,004,911 and 4,207,088 disclose dioxalane derivatives and dioxane derivatives and attribute grass herbicidal activity to these derivatives. The sodium salt of 2,3:4,6-bis-O-(1-methylethylidene)-O-(L-xylo-2-hexulofuranosonic acid) is sold as a pinching agent for azaleas and ornamentals and a growth retardant for shrubs, hedges and ground covers and is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,007,206.

The application of 5-C-alkyl-3-O-benzyl-1,2-O-isopropylidene α-D-xylo-pentodialdofuranose as herbicides and plant growth regulators is described by B. McCaskey in commonly assigned copending application Ser. No. 387,590 filed June 11, 1982.

In my prior co-pending application Ser. No. 409,236, filed Aug. 18, 1982, I disclosed certain 5-deoxy-3-O-arylmethyl or substituted arylmethyl-1,2-O-alkylidene-α-D-xylofuranose derivatives which are useful as herbicides and plant growth regulators.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention also provides compounds having herbicidal activity and plant growth regulating activity and provides method and compositions for preventing or retarding unwanted vegetation and for controlling the growth of vegetation. Certain of the active compounds are composed only of hydrogen, oxygen and carbon and hence are very desirable from an environmental standpoint because they decompose into innocuous carbon-oxygen moieties and water. Certain compounds of the invention also exhibit increased phytotoxic selectivity and crop safety. Also, as pointed out in my aforementioned patent application, I have found that biological activity in tetrahydrofuranyl nucleous compounds is very unpredictable and requires the proper stereo-configuration. For example, even though the compounds and compositions of the present invention exhibit very good herbicide activity, especially grass pre-emergence herbicide activity, and plant growth regulating activity, a number of closely related analogs and even the 3-epimers of the present compounds fail to exhibit such activity.

In one aspect the invention provides compounds having the formula ##STR1##

wherein Z is oxo or the group ##STR2##

R is naphthyl, 2-trifluoromethylphenyl; or substituted aryl having 6 through 10 carbon atoms and 1 through 3 substituents independently selected from the group of lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, and halo;

R¹ is alkyl having 1 through 4 carbon atoms;

R² and R³ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; lower alkyl; lower haloalkyl having 1 through 3 halo substituents; and aryl having 6 through 10 carbon atoms; or R² and R³ together with the carbon atom to which they are joined form a cycloalkyl group having 5 or 6 carbon atoms.

The compounds of Formula I are (D) optically active and can comprise various isomers provided that the orientation of the relative orientation of the substituents at the 1, 2, 3 and 4 relative to each other with respect to the furan ring must be as shown in Formula I. Formula (I) is intended to represent the respective pure isomers as well as mixtures thereof, having the relative orientations at the 1, 2, 3 and 4 positions shown in Formula (I) and both the respective individual isomers and isomer mixtures are encompassed within the invention. The compounds of Formula I wherein Z is oxo exhibit herbicidal activity. The compounds of Formula I wherein Z is ##STR3## are intermediates for the Z is oxo compounds and in the case where R¹ is methyl or ethyl also exhibit herbicidal activity.

In a further aspect the invention provides a herbicidal composition comprising a compatible carrier and a herbicidally effective amount of the compounds of formula I or mixtures thereof.

The present invention also provides a method for preventing or controlling the growth of unwanted vegetation, especially grasses, which comprises treating the growth medium and/or the foliage of such vegetation with a herbicidally effective amount of the compound(s) of Formula I.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a plant growth regulating composition comprising a carrier and an effective amount of the plant growth regulating compound(s) of the Formula I, with the proviso that when Z is ##STR4## then R¹ is methyl or ethyl.

The present invention also provides a method for regulating plant growth which comprises treating the growth medium and/or the foliage of such vegetation with a plant growth regulating effective amount of the compound(s) of Formula I, with the proviso that when Z is ##STR5## then R¹ is methyl or ethyl.

The present invention also provides chemical intermediates and processes for preparing the compounds of Formula I.

The invention will be further described hereinbelow.

FURTHER DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Illustrations of typical compounds of Formula (I) of the present invention can be had by reference to Examples 4, 5, 7, and 8 set forth hereinbelow on pages 19, 25, 30, and 31. In terms of substituents the preferred compounds for herbicidal activity, cost effectiveness and/or selectivity are those wherein R¹ is methyl or ethyl, the preferred Z substituent is oxo. The preferred R substituents are monosubstituted aryls, preferably monosubstituted phenyl, having a single substituent selected from the group lower alkyl, (preferably methyl) lower alkoxy (preferably methoxy) and halo (preferably chloro or fluoro). More preferably, R is monosubstituted phenyl substituted at the 2-position and especially 2-halophenyl, and more especially 2-chlorophenyl. Preferably, R² and R³ are independently hydrogen, methyl or ethyl and more preferably R² and R³ are each methyl.

The compounds of Formula I wherein Z is the group ##STR6## and R² and/or R³ are other than hydrogen can be prepared by treating the corresponding 5-aldehyde precursor with the appropriate alkyl Grignard reagent. This can be schematically represented by the following overall reaction equation: ##STR7##

wherein X is halo, preferably bromo or iodo; R and R¹, are as defined hereinabove, and R⁴ and R⁵ are as defined hereinabove for R² and R³, respectively, but both are not hydrogen.

This process can be effected by contacting the aldehyde (A) with a Grignard reagent, having the appropriate R¹ group, preferably in an inert organic solvent (preferably, ethyl ether). This step is typically conducted at temperatures in the range of about from 0° to 35° C., and conveniently is conducted by refluxing the reaction mixture for about from 1 to 10 hours. Suitable solvents which can be used include, for example, lower alkyl ethers (e.g., ethyl ether, propyl ether, butyl ether); tetrahydrofuran; methyltetrahydrofuran; dioxane, dimethoxymethane, dimethoxybutane, and the like and compatible mixtures thereof. Suitable Grignard reagents which can be used include, for example, ethylmagnesium bromide, ethylmagnesium iodide, methylmagnesium bromide, methylmagnesium iodide, propylmagnesium chloride, and the like. Typically, about from 2 to 20, preferably 6 to 10, mole equivalents of Grignard reagent is used per mole of compound A. The resulting reaction product is a mixture of diastereoisomeric alcohols Ia and Ia' which can be used as a mixture or if desired the respective isomers Ia and Ia' can be separated via any suitable procedure, for example, via crystallization or chromatography, etc.

The compounds of formula I wherein Z is oxo can be prepared via oxidation of the corresponding compounds Ia and/or Ia'. This can be schematically represented by the following overall reaction equation: ##STR8## wherein R, R¹, R⁴ and R⁵ are as defined as hereinabove, and the wavy line (˜) indicates that the OH group may be oriented as the D-gluco or L-ido configuration.

The oxidation step can be conveniently effected by contacting compound Ia" with a suitable oxidizing reagent (preferably, Jones reagent, i.e., H₂ CrO₄) preferably in an inert organic solvent (preferably acetone).

Typically, this step is conducted at temperatures in the range of about from -80° to 55° C., preferably about from -60° to 25° C. for about from 1 to 10 hours. Suitable inert organic solvents which can be used for this reaction include, for example, acetone, benzene, ether, acetic acid-water, pyridine, and the like. Suitable oxidation reagents which can be used include, for example, methyl sulfoxide, chromium trioxide, sodium dichromate, potassium dichromate, and the like. Typically about from 1 to 5 mole equivalents of oxidizing agent are used per mole of compound Ia". The compound of formula (Ib) can be separated from the reaction product via any suitable procedure, for example, chromatographically.

The starting materials of formula A can be prepared via the following schematically represented overall reaction sequence: ##STR9## wherein R, R⁴ and R⁵ are as defined hereinabove; M is an alkali metal cation; X is chloro, bromo, or iodo; and the wavy line indicates that the hydroxy group can be either α or β.

The first step of this process can be conveniently effected by reacting the pentahydroxy alcohol of formula F (i.e. glucose) with the appropriate R⁴ R⁵ ketone, for example, as disclosed in Advan. Carbohydrate Chem. 20, 219 (1965). For example, using acetone, preferably in an excess amount and which also acts as the organic solvent, and in the presence of a small amount of an acid catalyst will yield the compound of formula (E) wherein R⁴ and R⁵ are each methyl; note, for example, Methods in Carbohyd. Chem., 2, 320 and 321 (1966). Similarly using cyclohexanone as the R⁴, R⁵ ketone will yield the compound of formula E wherein R⁴ and R⁵ together with the carbon atoms to which they are joined form a cyclohexane ring, for example, as described in J. Amer. Chem. Soc., 71 3072 (1949).

Typically step 1 is conducted at temperatures in the range of about from 0° to 50° C., preferably 10° to 25° C. for about from 1 to 48 hours, preferably 5 to 24 hours using a stoichiometric excess of ketone which also acts as solvent when the ketone is a liquid. Also, in place of, or together with, using excess ketone as the solvent other suitable inert organic solvents could also be used. Suitable organic solvents which can be used include, for example, ether, benzene, DMF, p-dioxane, and the like and compatible mixtures thereof. Suitable acid catalysts which can be used include, for example, concentrated sulfuric acid, hydrogen chloride, zinc chloride-phosphoric acid, ferric chloride, and the like. Typically, a catalyst concentration in the reaction mixture of about from 0.1 to 5 weight percent is used.

The second step of the reaction sequence can be effected by contacting Compound E with an alkali metal base such as sodium hydride, potassium hydride, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and the like, preferably in an inert organic solvent. Typically, this reaction is conducted at about from 0 to the boiling point of the solvent, preferably about from 0° to 65° C., for about from 0.5 to 12 hours, preferably 0.5 to 1 hour, using about from 1.0 to 1.1 moles of alkali metal base per mole of Compound E. Conveniently the third step of the reaction sequence can be conducted in situ. Accordingly, the same solvents as are indicated below for the third step are conveniently used for this step.

The third step of the reaction sequence can be effected by contacting Compound D with the desired R substituted arylmethyl halide, preferably a chloride or bromide, preferably in an inert organic solvent (e.g., tetrahydrofuran) and in the presence of an appropriate catalyst. This process is typically conducted at temperatures in the range of about from 0 to the boiling point of the solvent, preferably about from 25° to 75°, for about from 1 to 48 hours, preferably about from 3 to 12 hours. Typically, about from 1.0 to 1.25 moles, and preferably about from 1.0 to 1.1 moles of substituted arylmethyl halide is used per mole of Compound D.

Suitable inert organic solvents which can be used include, for example, tetrahydrofuran, ethyl ether, xylene, toluene, dimethylsulfoxide, dimethylformamide, and the like and compatible mixtures thereof. Suitable catalysts which can be used include, for example, tetrabutylammonium iodide, tetrabutylammonium bromide, benzyltriethylammonium chloride, tricaprylyl methylammonium chloride and the like. Typically, a catalyst to reactant (D) ratio of about from 0.01 to 0.1 mole of catalyst per mole of D is used. Generally, best results are obtained using tetrahydrofuran as the solvent, tetrabutylammonium iodide as the catalyst and conducting the reaction at about from 25° to 65° C. for about from 3 to 12 hours.

Compound C wherein R⁴ or R⁵ is hydrogen can be prepared by complete hydrolysis of the 1,2:5,6-di-O-alkylidene groups of Compound C wherein R⁴ and R⁵ are alkyl by using longer reaction times and higher reaction temperatures as are indicated below in the fourth step followed by diacetalation with the appropriate aldehyde as described hereinabove in step 1.

In the fourth step the 5,6-O-alkylidene group is selectively cleaved without cleaving the 1,2-O-alkylidene group. This can be conveniently effected by mild acid hydrolysis, for example, by contacting Compound C with aqueous acetic acid at temperatures in the range of about from 25° to 100° C.; preferably about from 40° to 60° C. for about from 1 to 48 hours. The hydrolysis can also be conducted, for example, in aqueous trifluoroacetic acid, aqueous hydrochloric acid, and the like, and compatible mixtures thereof.

The fifth step, oxidative cleavage and displacement of the 6 position carbon group, can be effected by contacting Compound B with an alkali metal metaperiodate (e.g., sodium metaperiodate) or lead tetraacetate preferably in an inert organic solvent. Typically, this process is conducted at temperatures in the range of about from 0° to 70° C., preferably 0° to 30° C. using about from 1.0 to 1.25 moles of alkali metal metaperiodate per mole of Compound B. Suitable solvents which can be used include, for example, tetrahydrofuran, methanol, benzene, toluene, water, and the like.

The compounds of formula I wherein Z is oxo and one or both of R² and/or R³ are hydrogen can in theory be prepared via the reaction sequence described above by replacing the ketone in step 1 (F to E) with the appropriate aldehyde. However, in practice, because of interfering reactions, these compounds are best prepared from the compounds of formula Ib as follows: ##STR10## wherein R, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵ and Z are as defined hereinabove.

In the first step of this reaction sequence the R⁴, R⁵ acetal group is removed by mild acid hydrolysis. This can be conveniently effected, for example, by contacting the Compound Ib (preferably R⁴ and R⁵ are lower alkyl and more preferably are each methyl) with aqueous trifluoroacetic acid, preferably at room temperature (about 20°-25° C.) for about 0.5-5 hours. The hydrolysis can also for example be conducted in aqueous acetic acid, aqueous hydrochloric acid, and the like, and compatible mixtures thereof.

The second step can be effected by contacting Compound A' with a ketone, aldehyde, ketone-acetal, or aldehyde-acetal having the desired R², R³ groups, preferably in the presence of a dehydrating agent and an acid catalyst. For example, the compound of formula I wherein one of R² or R³ is hydrogen and the other is methyl can be prepared by using acetaldehyde. The compounds of formula I wherein R² and R³ are each hydrogen can be prepared by using paraformaldehyde and can be prepared in a single in situ step by contacting Compound Id with paraformaldehyde and glacial acetic acid, followed by contact with a small amount of a strong acid (e.g., concentrated sulfuric acid) at about room temperature for about 0.5-5 hours.

The second step of this reaction is typically conducted at temperatures in the range of about from 25° C. to the boiling point of the ketone or aldehyde for about from 1 to 24 hours using about from 1 to 10 moles of aldehyde, ketone, aldehyde-acetal, or ketone-acetal per mole of Compound A' in the presence of a catalytic amount of acid (e.g., concentrated sulfuric acid or p-toluenesulfonic acid) and a dehydrating agent such as anhydrous copper sulfate, or molecular sieves.

It should also be apparent that general variation in the R² and R³ groups can be effected by this procedure by first cleaving the existing R² and R³ acetal group followed by reaction with the desired ketone, aldehyde, ketone-acetal, or aldehyde-acetal, under the condition described in step 2 above. In some instances this may be a more convenient method of even preparing the compounds wherein R² and R³ are other than methyl because diacetone D-glucose is a commercially available starting material (i.e., Compound E, wherein R⁴ and R⁵ are methyl).

General Process Conditions

In the above-described processes, it is generally preferable to separate the respected products before proceeding with the next step in the reaction sequence, except where described as an in situ step or unless otherwise expressly stated. These products can be recovered from their respective reaction product mixtures by any suitable separation and purification procedure, such as, for example, recrystallization and chromatography. Suitable separation and purification procedures are, for example, illustrated in the Examples set forth hereinbelow.

Generally, the reactions described above are conducted as liquid phase reaction and hence pressure is generally not significant except as it affects temperature (boiling point) where reactions are conducted at reflux. Therefore, these reactions are generally conducted pressures of from 300 to 3,000 mm of mercury and conveniently are conducted at about atmospheric or ambient pressure.

It should also be appreciated that where typical or preferred process conditions (e.g., reaction temperatures, times, mol ratios of reactants, solvents, etc.) have been given, that other process conditions could also be used, although typically with poorer yields or economies. Optimum reaction conditions (e.g., temperature, reaction time, mol ratios, solvents, etc.) may vary with the particular reagents or organic solvents used but can be determined by routine optimization procedures.

Where optical isomer mixtures are obtained, the respective optical isomers can be obtained by conventional resolution procedures, for example, by converting the isomer mixture to an acid derivative and reacting with an optically active base which will yield a mixture of optical salts, of the desired compound, which can be resolved by conventional procedures (e.g., crystallization) into the respective plus and minus optical salts.

Definitions

As used herein the following terms have the following meanings unless expressly stated to the contrary:

The term "lower alkyl" refers to both straight- and branched-chain alkyl groups having a total of from 1 through 4 carbon atoms and includes primary, secondary and tertiary alkyl groups. Typical lower alkyls include, for example, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, t-butyl.

The term "lower alkenyl" refers to alkenyl groups having 2 through 4 carbon atoms and includes for example vinyl; 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl, 1-methylvinyl, 1-butenyl, 2-methylprop-1-enyl and the like.

The term "halo" refers to the group of fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo.

The term "aryl" refers to aryl groups having 6 through 10 carbon atoms and includes, for example, phenyl, naphthyl, indenyl, and the like.

The term "substituted aryl" refers to aryl groups having 1 through 4 substituents independently selected from the group of lower alkyl, lower alkoxy and halo. Typical substituted aryl includes, for example, 2-fluorophenyl, 2-chlorophenyl, 2,6-dimethylphenyl, 2-methylphenyl, 2,4-dimethylphenyl, 2,5-dimethylphenyl, 2,4-dichlorophenyl, 2-methoxyphenyl and the like.

The term "room temperature" or "ambient temperature" refers to about 20°-25° C.

Utility

The compounds of Formula I (except where Z is ##STR11## and R¹ is propyl) exhibit both pre-emergence and to a lesser extent post-emergence herbicide activity and exhibit especially good pre-emergence grass herbicide activity. Further, by proper reduction of the dosage, the compounds can be safely applied as selective pre-emergence grass herbicides to prevent or reduce the growth of grasses amongst broad leaf crops, for example, soybean, alfalfa, cotton and peanut crops. The preferred herbicidal compounds of Formula (I) are those wherein R¹ is methyl or ethyl and especially the compound wherein R¹ is methyl and the compounds wherein R is 2-substituted phenyl, preferably 2-chloro. The 2-chlorophenyl compounds exhibit excellent pre-emergence herbicide activity against grasses with good crop safety for a variety of crops.

Generally, for post-emergent applications, the herbicidal compounds are applied directly to the foliage or other plant parts. For pre-emergence applications, the herbicidal compounds are applied to the growing medium, or prospective growing medium, of the plant. The optimum amount of the herbicidal compound or composition will vary with the particular plant species, and the extent of part plant growth and the particular part of the plant which is contacted. The optimum dosage will also vary with the general location, or environment, of application (e.g., sheltered areas such as greenhouses compared to exposed areas such as fields), and type and degree of control desired. Generally, for both pre- and post-emergent control, the present compounds are applied at rates of about from 0.2 to 60 kg/ha, preferably about from 0.5 to 10 kg/ha.

Also, although in theory the compounds can be applied undiluted, in actual practice they are generally applied as a composition or formulation comprising an effective amount of the compound(s) and an acceptable carrier. An acceptable or compatible carrier (algriculturally acceptable carrier) is one which does not significantly adversely affect the desired biological effect achieved by the active compounds, save to dilute it. Typically, the composition contains about from 0.05 to 95% by weight of the compound of Formula (I) or mixtures thereof. Concentrates can also be made having higher concentrations designed for dilution prior to application. The carrier can be a solid, liquid, or aerosol. The actual compositions can take the form of granules, powders, dusts, solutions, emulsions, slurries, aerosols, and the like.

Suitable solid carriers which can be used include, for example, natural clays (such as kaolin, attapulgite, montmorillonite, etc.), talcs, pyrophyllite, diatomaceous silica, synthetic fine silica, calcium aluminosilicate, tricalcium phosphate, and the like. Also, organic materials, such as, for example, walnut shell flour, cotton-seed hulls, wheat flour, wood flour, wood bark flour, and the like can also be used as carriers. Suitable liquid diluents which can be used include, for example, water, organic solvents (e.g., hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, dimethylsulfoxide, kerosene, diesel fuel, fuel oil, petroleum naphtha, etc.), and the like. Suitable aerosol carriers which can be used include conventional aerosol carriers such as halogenated alkanes, etc.

The composition can also contain various promoters and surface-active agents which enhance the rate of transport of the active compound into the plant tissue such as, for example, organic solvents, wetting agents and oils, and in the case of compositions designed for preemergence application agents which reduce the leachability of the compound or otherwise enhance soil stability.

The composition can also contain various compatible adjuvants, stabilizers, conditioners, insecticides, fungicides, and if desired, other herbicidally active compounds.

The compounds of formula I (except where Z is ##STR12## and R¹ is propyl) also exhibit plant growth regulating activity including crop enhancement. These compounds of Formula (I) can be applied in pure form as plant growth regulators, but more pragmatically, as in the case of herbicide applications, are applied in combination with a carrier. The same types of carriers as set forth hereinabove with respect to the herbicide compositions can also be used. Depending on the desired application, the plant growth regulating composition can also contain, or be applied in combination with other compatible ingredients such as desiccants, defoliants, surface-active agents, adjuvants, fungicides, insecticides and compatible selective herbicides. Typically, the plant growth regulating composition will contain a total of about from 0.005 to 90 wt. %, of the compound(s) of Formula (I) depending on whether the composition is intended to be applied directly or diluted first.

A further understanding of the invention can be had in the following non-limiting Preparation and Examples. Wherein, unless expressly stated to the contrary, all temperatures and temperature ranges refer to the Centigrade system and the term "ambient" or "room temperature" refers to about 20°-25° C. The term "percent" or "%" refers to weight percent and the term "mole" or "moles" refers to gram moles. The term "equivalent" refers to a quantity of reagent equal in moles, to the moles of the preceding or succeeding reactant recited in that example in terms of finite moles or finite weight or volume. Where given, proton-magnetic resonance spectrum (p.m.r. or n.m.r.) were determined at 60 mHz, signals are assigned as singlets (s), broad singlets (bs), doublets (d), double doublets (dd), triplets (t), double triplets (dt), quartets (q), and multiplets (m); and cps refers to cycles per second. Also where necessary examples are repeated to provide additional starting material for subsequent examples.

EXAMPLE 1 1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chlorobenzyl)-α-D-glucofuranose

In this example 4.9 grams (0.1 mole) of sodium hydride (50 wt % in mineral oil) was slowly added to an ice-cooled solution of 26 g (0.1 mole) of diacetone D-glucose in 175 ml of tetrahydrofuran under a nitrogen atmosphere. To this mixture was then added 2 g of benzyltriethylammonium chloride followed by the dropwise addition of 16.1 g (0.1 mole) of 2-chlorobenzyl chloride. The mixture was stirred overnight (about 12 hours) at room temperature and then concentrated by evaporation into a viscous mixture. The viscous mixture was dissolved in 200 ml of petroleum ether, and then washed three times with 100 ml of water, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and concentrated by evaporation. The concentrate was heated under reduced pressure to remove unreacted B 2-chlorobenzyl chloride affording 37.2 g of the title compound as a liquid.

Similarly by following the same procedure but respectively using the corresponding substituted benzyl chloride or bromide, naphthyl chloride or substituted naphthyl chloride in phace of 2-chlorobenzyl chloride the following compounds can be prepared:

1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-methoxybenzyl)-α-D-glucofuranose;

1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(naphthylmethyl)-α-D-glucofuranose;

1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-methylnaphthylmethyl)-α-D-glucofuranose;

1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloronapthylmethyl)-α-D-glucofuranose;

1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-bromobenzyl)-α-D-glucofuranose;

1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-fluorobenzyl)-α-D-glucofuranose;

1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-iodobenzyl)-α-D-glucofuranose;

1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(4-chlorobenzyl)-α-D-glucofuranose;

1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3-chlorobenzyl)-α-D-glucofuranose;

1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(4-methylbenzyl)-α-D-glucofuranose;

1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2,3,4-trichlorobenzyl)-α-D-glucofuranose;

1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloro-3,4-dimethylbenzyl)-α-D-glucofuranose;

1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-methoxy-4-bromobenzyl)-α-D-glucofuranose;

1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloro-4-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-α-D-glucofuranose;

1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloro-3-bromobenzyl)-α-D-glucofuranose;

1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-butyl-3-fluorobenzyl)-α-D-glucofuranose;

1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-α-D-glucofuranose;

1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3-ethoxy-4-bromobenzyl)-α-D-glucofuranose;

1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3-butoxy-4-butylbenzyl)-α-D-glucofuranose;

EXAMPLE 2 1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chlorobenzyl)-α-D-glucofuranose

In this example a mixture containing 167.9 g of 1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chlorobenzyl)-α-D-glucofuranose in 495 ml of glacial acetic acid and 275 ml of water was stirred overnight (about 12 hours) at 40° C. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature and the acetic acid was then carefully neutralized by the stepwise addition of saturated aqueous potassium carbonate solution. The neutralized solution was then extracted with three 500 ml portions of methylene chloride, washed twice with 500 ml of water, then with saturated aqueous sodium chloride. The washed solution was then dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and evaporated under vacuum affording 129.5 g of the title compound as a syrup.

Similarly, the 5,6-O-isopropylidene group can be cleaved from the products listed in Example 1 by following the same procedure.

EXAMPLE 3 1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chlorobenzyl)-α-D-xylo-pentodialdo-1,4-furanose

In this example a solution of 24.3 g (0.11 mole) of sodium metaperiodate in about 275 ml of water was added dropwise to a solution containing 34 g of 1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chlorobenzyl)-α-D-glucofuranose in about 275 ml of absolute methanol cooled in an ice-water bath. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 90 minutes and then 3 ml of ethylene glycol was added and the mixture stirred for about another 15 minutes. The methanol was then evaporated off and the remaining aqueous phase was extracted three times with 200 ml of methylene chloride. The combined organic extracts were washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated under vacuum affording 29.8 g of the title compound as a syrup.

Similarly by following the same procedure the other products indicated in the last paragraph of Example 2 can be converted to the corresponding dialdo products.

EXAMPLE 4 1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chlorobenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-gluco-heptofuranose and β-L-ido-heptofuranose

In this example a solution of ethyl magnesium bromide was prepared by the dropwise addition of 25.4 ml of ethyl bromide to 6.6 g of magnesium turnings in 170 ml of anhydrous ethyl ether. A solution containing 11.2 g of 1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chlorobenzyl)-α-D-xylo-pentodialdo-1,4-furanose in 120 ml of ethyl ether was then slowly added to the resulting mixture and the solution was refluxed for 90 minutes. The mixture was cooled and then added to 120 ml of aqueous 25 wt % ammonium chloride cooled in an ice-water bath. 200 ml of ethyl ether was added. The ethyl ether phase was separated and washed with 85 ml of 25 wt % aqueous ammonium chloride, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and evaporated to a syrup consisting of the D-gluco and L-ido isomers. The syrup subsequently crystallized and the crystallized product was slurried with hexane and then filtered affording 4.9 g of the title L-ido compound as a white powder; m.p. 90°-93° C.

Similarly, by applying the above procedure to the products indicated in the last paragraph of Example 3 hereinabove the following compounds can be made:

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-methoxybenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-gluco-heptofuranose and β-L-ido-heptofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(naphthylmethyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-gluco-heptofuranose and β-L-ido-heptofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-methylnaphthylmethyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-gluco-heptofuranose and β-L-ido-heptofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloronaphthylmethyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-gluco-heptofuranose and β-L-ido-heptofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-bromobenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-gluco-heptofuranose and β-L-ido-heptofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-fluorobenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-gluco-heptofuranose and β-L-ido-heptofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-iodobenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-gluco-heptofuranose and β-L-ido-heptofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(4-chlorobenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-gluco-heptofuranose and β-L-ido-heptofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3-chlorobenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-gluco-heptofuranose and β-L-ido-heptofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(4-methylbenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-gluco-heptofuranose and β-L-ido-heptofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2,3,4-trichlorobenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-gluco-heptofuranose and β-L-ido-heptofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloro-3,4-dimethylbenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-gluco-heptofuranose and β-L-ido-heptofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-methoxy-4-bromobenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-gluco-heptofuranose and β-L-ido-heptofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloro-4-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-.alpha.-D-gluco-heptofuranose and β-L-ido-heptofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloro-3-bromobenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-gluco-heptofuranose and β-L-ido-heptofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-butyl-3-fluorobenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-gluco-heptofuranose and β-L-ido-heptofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-gluco-heptofuranose and β-L-ido-heptofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3-ethoxy-4-bromobenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-gluco-heptofuranose and β-L-ido-heptofuranose; and

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3-butoxy-4-butylbenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-gluco-heptofuranose and β-L-ido-heptofuranose.

Similarly, by applying this procedure to the corresponding pentodialdo-1,4-furanose using methyl iodide in place of ethyl bromide the following compounds can be prepared:

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chlorobenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-glucofuranose and β-L-idofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-methoxybenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-glucofuranose and β-L-idofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(naphthylmethyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-glucohexofuranose and β-L-idofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-methylnaphthylmethyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-glucofuranose and β-L-idofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloronaphthylmethyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-glucofuranose and β-L-idofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-bromobenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-glucofuranose and β-L-idofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-fluorobenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-glucofuranose and β-L-idofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-iodobenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-glucofuranose and β-L-idofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(4-chlorobenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-glucofuranose and β-L-idofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3-chlorobenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-glucofuranose and β-L-idofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(4-methylbenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-glucofuranose and β-L-idofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2,3,4-trichlorobenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-glucofuranose and β-L-idofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloro-3,4-dimethylbenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-glucofuranose and β-L-idofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-methoxy-4-bromobenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-glucofuranose and β-L-idofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloro-4-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-glucofuranose and β-L-idofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloro-3-bromobenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-glucofuranose and β-L-idofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-butyl-3-fluorobenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-glucofuranose and β-L-idofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-glucofuranose and β-L-idofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3-ethoxy-4-bromobenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-glucofuranose and β-L-idofuranose; and

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3-butoxy-4-butylbenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-glucofuranose and β-L-idofuranose.

Similarly, by following this procedure, using propyl bromide in place of ethyl bromide the following compounds can be prepared:

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chlorobenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-gluco-octofuranose and β-L-ido-octofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-methoxybenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-gluco-octofuranose and β-L-ido-octofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(naphthylmethyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-gluco-octofuranose and β-L-ido-octofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-methylnaphthylmethyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-gluco-octofuranose and β-L-ido-octofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloronaphthylmethyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-gluco-octofuranose and β-L-ido-octofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-bromobenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-gluco-octofuranose and β-L-ido-octofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-fluorobenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-gluco-octofuranose and β-L-ido-octofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-iodobenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-gluco-octofuranose and β-L-ido-octofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(4-chlorobenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-gluco-octofuranose and β-L-ido-octofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3-chlorobenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-gluco-octofuranose and β-L-ido-octofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(4-methylbenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-gluco-octofuranose and β-L-ido-octofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2,3,4-trichlorobenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-gluco-octofuranose and β-L-ido-octofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloro-3,4-dimethylbenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-.alpha.-D-gluco-octofuranose and β-L-ido-octofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-methoxy-4-bromobenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-gluco-octofuranose and β-L-ido-octofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloro-4-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-gluco-octofuranose and β-L-ido-octofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloro-3-bromobenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-gluco-octofuranose and β-L-ido-octofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-butyl-3-fluorobenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-gluco-octofuranose and β-L-ido-octofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-gluco-octofuranose and β-L-ido-octofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3-ethoxy-4-bromobenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-gluco-octofuranose and β-L-ido-octofuranose; and

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3-butoxy-4-butylbenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-gluco-octofuranose and β-L-ido-octofuranose.

Similarly by using butyl chloride in place of ethyl bromide the following compounds can be prepared:

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chlorobenzyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-gluco-pentofuranose and β-L-ido-pentofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-methoxybenzyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-glucopentofuranose and β-L-ido-pentofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(naphthylmethyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-gluco-pentofuranose and β-L-ido-pentofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-methylnaphthylmethyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-gluco-pentofuranose and β-L-ido-pentofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloronaphthylmethyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-gluco-pentofuranose and β-L-ido-pentofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-bromobenzyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-gluco-pentofuranose and β-L-ido-pentofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-fluorobenzyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-gluco-pentofuranose and β-L-ido-pentofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-iodobenzyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-gluco-pentofuranose and β-L-ido-pentofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(4-chlorobenzyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-gluco-pentofuranose and β-L-ido-pentofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3-chlorobenzyl-5-C-butyl-α-D-gluco-pentofuranose and β-L-ido-pentofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(4-methylbenzyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-gluco-pentofuranose and β-L-ido-pentofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2,3,4-trichlorobenzyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-gluco-pentofuranose and β-L-ido-pentofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloro-3,4-dimethylbenzyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-gluco-pentofuranose and β-L-ido-pentofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-methoxy-4-bromobenzyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-gluco-pentofuranose and β-L-ido-pentofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloro-4-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-5-C-butyl-.alpha.-D-gluco-pentofuranose and β-L-ido-pentofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloro-3-bromobenzyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-gluco-pentofuranose and β-L-ido-pentofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-butyl-3-fluorobenzyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-gluco-pentofuranose and β-L-ido-pentofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-gluco-pentofuranose and β-L-ido-pentofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3-ethoxy-4-bromobenzyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-gluco-pentofuranose and β-L-ido-pentofuranose; and

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3-butoxy-4-butylbenzyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-gluco-pentofuranose and β-L-ido-pentofuranose.

EXAMPLE 5 1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chlorobenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-xylo-heptofuranos-5-ulose

In this example Jones reagent (i.e. H₂ CrO₄) was prepared by dissolving 26.72 g of chromium trioxide (CrO₃) in sufficient water to yield a volume of 77 ml and stirring in 23 ml of concentrated sulfuric acid to yield a total volume of 100 ml. 12 ml of this solution was then added dropwise to a solution containing 3.4 g (0.01 mole) of 1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chlorobenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-gluco-heptofuranose and the 5-epimer in 125 ml of acetone at -60° C. The mixture was allowed to warm to -5°-0° C. over a 1 hour period and then stirred at about 0° C. for about five hours. The mixture was then diluted with 500 ml of ethyl ether, washed three times with 200 ml of water. The water washes were respectively extracted with 200 ml of ethyl ether. The ethyl ether extracts were combined, dried over magnesium sulfate, and evaporated under vacuum affording 3.4 g of the title compound as a yellow syrup which was subsequently further purified by high pressure liquid chromatography eluting with ethyl acetate:hexane (1:4 by volume).

Similarly, by respectively applying the above procedure to the products listed in Example 4 hereinabove, the following compounds can be prepared:

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-methoxybenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-xylo-heptofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(naphthylmethyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-xylo-heptofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-methylnaphthylmethyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-xylo-heptofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloronaphthylmethyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-xylo-heptofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-bromobenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-xylo-heptofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-fluorobenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-xylo-heptofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-iodobenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-xylo-heptofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(4-chlorobenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-xylo-heptofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3-chlorobenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-xylo-heptofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(4-methylbenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-xylo-heptofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2,3,4-trichlorobenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-xylo-heptofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloro-3,4-dimethylbenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-xylo-heptofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-methoxy-4-bromobenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-xylo-heptofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloro-4-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-.alpha.-D-xylo-heptofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloro-3-bromobenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-xylo-heptofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-butyl-3-fluorobenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-xylo-heptofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-xylo-heptofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3-ethoxy-4-bromobenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-xylo-heptofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3-butoxy-4-butylbenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-xylo-heptofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chlorobenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-xylo-hexofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-methoxybenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-xylo-hexofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(naphthylmethyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-xylo-hexofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-methylnaphthylmethyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-xylo-hexofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloronaphthylmethyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-xylo-hexofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-bromobenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-xylo-hexofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-fluorobenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-xylo-hexofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-iodobenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-xylo-hexofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(4-chlorobenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-xylo-hexofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3-chlorobenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-xylo-hexofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(4-methylbenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-xylo-hexofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2,3,4-trichlorobenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-xylo-hexofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloro-3,4-dimethylbenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-xylo-hexofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-methoxy-4-bromobenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-xylo-hexofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloro-4-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-xylo-hexofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloro-3-bromobenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-xylo-hexofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-butyl-3-fluorobenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-xylo-hexofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-xylo-hexofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3-ethoxy-4-bromobenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-xylo-hexofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3-butoxy-4-butylbenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-xylo-hexofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chlorobenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-xylo-octofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-methoxybenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-xylo-octofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(naphthylmethyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-xylo-octofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-methylnaphthylmethyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-xylo-octofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloronaphthylmethyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-xylo-octofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-bromobenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-xylo-octofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-fluorobenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-xylo-octofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-iodobenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-xylo-octofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(4-chlorobenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-xylo-octofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3-chlorobenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-xylo-octofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(4-methylbenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-xylo-octofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2,3,4-trichlorobenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-xylo-octofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloro-3,4-dimethylbenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-.alpha.-D-xylo-octofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-methoxy-4-bromobenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-xylo-octofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloro-4-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-xylo-octofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloro-3-bromobenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-xylo-octofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-butyl-3-fluorobenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-xylo-octofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-xylo-octofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3-ethoxy-4-bromobenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-xylo-octofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3-butoxy-4-butylbenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-xylo-octofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chlorobenzyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-xylo-pentodialdofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-methoxybenzyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-xylo-pentodialdofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(naphthylmethyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-xylo-pentodialdofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-methylnaphthylmethyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-xylo-pentodialdofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloronaphthylmethyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-xylo-pentodialdofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-bromobenzyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-xylo-pentodialdofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-fluorobenzyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-xylo-pentodialdofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-iodobenzyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-xylo-pentodialdofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(4-chlorobenzyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-xylo-pentodialdofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3-chlorobenzyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-xylo-pentodialdofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(4-methylbenzyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-xylo-pentodialdofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2,3,4-trichlorobenzyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-xylo-pentodialdofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloro-3,4-dimethylbenzyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-xylo-pentodialdofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-methoxy-4-bromobenzyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-xylo-pentodialdofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloro-4-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-5-C-butyl-.alpha.-D-xylo-pentodialdofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chloro-3-bromobenzyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-xylo-pentodialdofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-butyl-3-fluorobenzyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-xylo-pentodialdofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-xylo-pentodialdofuranose;

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3-ethoxy-4-bromobenzyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-xylo-pentodialdofuranose; and

1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(3-butoxy-4-butylbenzyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-xylo-pentodialdofuranose.

EXAMPLE 6 3-O-(2-chlorobenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-xylo-heptofuranos-5-ulose

In this example a solution containing 6.8 g (0.02 mole) of 1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-(2-chlorobenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-xylo-heptofuranos-5-ulose in 60 ml of aqueous trifluoroacetic acid (9 parts by volume acid per part water) was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours and then concentrated by evaporation at 50°-60° C. affording a residue which crystallized upon standing. The crystallized residue was washed with hexane and filtered affording the title compound as a solid; m.p. 130°-133° C.

Similarly, by following the same procedure the isopropylidene ether group can be cleaved from the products listed in Example 5, hereinabove.

EXAMPLE 7 1,2-O-(2-methylpropylidene)-3-O-(2-chlorobenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-xylo-heptofuranos-5-ulose (formula I R² =H, R³ =isopropyl)

In this example 3.5 g of isobutyraldehyde was added to a mixture containing 3.0 g of 3-O-(2-chlorobenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-xylo-heptofuranos-5-ulose; 4 g of anhydrous copper sulfate and a catalytic amount (about 50-200 mg) of p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate in 50 ml of toluene at room temperature. The mixture was stirred for 1 hour at 50° C. and then for 3 hours at room temperature. The mixture was then diluted with 50 ml of toluene and washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution, twice with 50 ml of water and then with 50 ml of saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated by evaporation. The concentrate was then subjected to flash column chromatography, eluting with 1:4 vols. of tetrahydrofuran:hexane mixtures, affording 2.9 g of the title compound.

Similarly, by following the procedure of Example 6 and the above procedure the corresponding 1,2-O-(2-methylpropylidene) homolog of the compounds listed in Example 5 can be prepared, for example:

1,2-O-(2-methylpropylidene)-3-O-(2-methoxybenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-xylo-heptofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-(2-methylpropylidene)-3-O-(2-chlorobenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-xylo-hexofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-(2-methylpropylidene)-3-O-(2-chlorobenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-xylo-octofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-(2-methylpropylidene)-3-O-(2-chlorobenzyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-xylo-pentodialdofuranose; etc.

Similarly, by following the procedure of Example 6 and the above procedure but using paraformaldehyde in place of isobutyraldehyde, the corresponding 1,2-methylene homologs of the compounds of Example 5 can be prepared for example:

1,2-O-methylene-3-O-(2-chlorobenzyl)-6,7-dideoxy-α-D-xylo-heptofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-methylene-3-O-(2-chlorobenzyl)-6-deoxy-α-D-xylo-hexofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-methylene-3-O-(2-chlorobenzyl)-6,7,8-trideoxy-α-D-xylo-octofuranos-5-ulose;

1,2-O-methylene-3-O-(2-chlorobenzyl)-5-C-butyl-α-D-xylo-pentodialdofuranose; etc.

Similarly, by following the procedure of the above procedure but respectively using propionaldehyde diethyl acetal; chloroacetaldehyde; 3-pentanone; 2-butanone; 2-pentanone; 6-bromo-3-hexanone; 4-fluoro-2-pentanone and cyclohexanone the corresponding 1,2-O-propylidene; 1,2-O-(2-chloroethylidene); 1,2-O-(1-ethylpropylidene); 1,2-O-(1-methylpropylidene); 1,2-O-(1-methylbutylidene); 1,2-O-(1-ethyl-4-bromobutylidene); 1,2-O-(1-methyl-3-fluorobutylidene); and 1,2-O-cyclohexylidene analogs of the compound listed in Example 5 can be respectively prepared.

EXAMPLE 8

By applying the appropriate procedures described in the above examples and the appropriate starting materials, the compounds listed in the following Tables hereinbelow were prepared. Certain comparison compounds were also prepared and are designated by C numbers.

                                      TABLE A                                      __________________________________________________________________________      ##STR13##                                                                                           ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS                                                                           Melt.                                                            Carbon Hydrogen                                                                              Point                                      No.                                                                               R      R.sup.1                                                                           R.sup.2                                                                           R.sup.3                                                                              Calc.                                                                             Found                                                                              Calc.                                                                             Found                                                                              ° C.                                __________________________________________________________________________     1  2-Clφ                                                                             CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                             58.81                                                                             59.23                                                                              5.86                                                                              5.94                                                                               91-94                                      2  2-Clφ                                                                             C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                   CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                             59.91                                                                             60.29                                                                              6.21                                                                              6.42                                                                               s.s*                                       3  2-Clφ                                                                             C.sub.3 H.sub.7                                                                   CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                             60.93                                                                             59.65                                                                              6.53                                                                              6.67                                                                               liquid                                     4  2,6-di(Cl)φ                                                                       CH.sub. 3                                                                         CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                             53.2                                                                              53.63                                                                              5.02                                                                              5.28                                                                               95-97                                      5  2,6-di(Cl)φ                                                                       C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                   CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                             54.41                                                                             54.74                                                                              5.37                                                                              5.64                                                                               64-67                                      6  2-CH.sub.3φ                                                                       CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                             66.65                                                                             66.93                                                                              7.24                                                                              7.58                                                                               85-86                                      7  2-CH.sub.3φ                                                                       C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                   CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                             67.48                                                                             65.60                                                                              7.55                                                                              8.29                                                                               liquid                                     8  2-Fφ                                                                              C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                   CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                             62.95                                                                             62.07                                                                              6.53                                                                              6.54                                                                               liquid                                     9  4-CH.sub.3φ                                                                       C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                   CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                             67.48                                                                             67.90                                                                              7.55                                                                              7.85                                                                               71-79                                      10 2-Clφ                                                                             CH.sub.3                                                                          C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                   CH.sub.3                                                                             59.91                                                                             57.65                                                                              6.21                                                                              6.06                                                                               43-46                                      11 2-Clφ                                                                             C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                   H  CH.sub.3                                                                             58.81                                                                             55.64                                                                              5.86                                                                              6.56                                                                               liquid                                     12 2-Clφ                                                                             C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                   H  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                      59.91                                                                             57.43                                                                              6.21                                                                              6.50                                                                               liquid                                     13 2-Clφ                                                                             C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                   H  CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2                                                                   60.93                                                                             61.72                                                                              6.53                                                                              7.47                                                                               liquid                                     14 2-Clφ                                                                             C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                   C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                   CH.sub.3                                                                             60.93                                                                             59.00                                                                              6.53                                                                              6.68                                                                               liquid                                     15 2-Clφ                                                                             C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                   C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                   C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                      61.87                                                                             61.26                                                                              6.83                                                                              7.13                                                                               liquid                                     C-l                                                                               2-Clφ                                                                             H  CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                             57.61                                                                             54.86                                                                              5.48                                                                              5.68                                                                               liquid                                     C-2                                                                               2,6-(Cl)φ                                                                         H  CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                             51.89                                                                             51.76                                                                              4.65                                                                              5.78                                                                               liquid                                     C-3                                                                               2-Clφ                                                                             φ                                                                             CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                             64.87                                                                             64.17                                                                              5.44                                                                              5.60                                                                               liquid                                     C-4                   55.91                                                                             55.55                                                                              5.70                                                                              5.81                                                                               130-133                                    C-5                                                                               φ  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                   CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                       __________________________________________________________________________      *s.s. = semisolid;                                                             φ = phenyl; for example, 2Clφ = chlorophenyl                     

                                      TABLE B                                      __________________________________________________________________________      ##STR14##                                                                                        ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS wt. %                                                                        Melt.                                                         Carbon  Hydrogen Point                                      No.                                                                               R      R.sup.1                                                                           R.sup.2                                                                           R.sup.3                                                                           Calc.                                                                              Found                                                                              Calc.                                                                              Found                                                                               °C.                                 __________________________________________________________________________     16 2-Clφ                                                                             CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                       17 2-Clφ                                                                             C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                   CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                          59.56                                                                              59.27                                                                              6.76                                                                               6.82 90-93                                      18 2-Clφ                                                                             C.sub.3 H.sub.7                                                                   CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                          60.59                                                                              60.57                                                                              7.06                                                                               7.23 129-131                                    19 2,6-di(Cl)φ                                                                       CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                          52.91                                                                              51.93                                                                              5.55                                                                               5.86 liquid                                     20 2,6-di(Cl)φ                                                                       C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                   CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                       21 2-CH.sub.3φ                                                                       CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                          66.21                                                                              64.99                                                                              7.84                                                                               7.84 s.s.*                                      22 2-CH.sub.3φ                                                                       C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                   CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                          67.06                                                                              65.63                                                                              8.13                                                                               8.20 s.s.*                                      23 2-Fφ                                                                              C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                   CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                          62.56                                                                              63.02                                                                              7.10                                                                               7.28 s.s.*                                      24 4-CH.sub.3φ                                                                       C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                   CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                          67.06                                                                              66.37                                                                              8.13                                                                               8.25 s.s.*                                      C-6                                                                               2-Clφ                                                                             H  CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                          57.24                                                                              59.41                                                                              6.08                                                                               7.09 49-51                                      C-7                                                                               φ  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                   CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                       __________________________________________________________________________      **C-5 epimers                                                                  *s.s. = semi solid;                                                            φ = phenyl; for example, 2Clφ = 2-chlorophenyl                   

EXAMPLE 9

In this example, the compounds of Table A and Table B were respectively tested using the procedures described hereinbelow for pre-emergent and post-emergent activity against a variety of grasses and broad-leaf plants including one grain crop and one broad-leaf crop. The compounds tested are identified by compound number in Tables A and B hereinabove.

Pre-Emergent Herbicide Test

Pre-emergence herbicidal activity was determined in the following manner.

Test solutions of the respective compounds were prepared as follows.

355.5 mg of test compound was dissolved in 15 ml of acetone. 2 ml of acetone containing 110 mg of a non-ionic surfactant was added to the solution. 12 ml of this stock solution was then added to 47.7 ml of water which contained the same nonionic surfactant at a concentration of 625 mg/l.

Seeds of the test vegetation were planted in a pot of soil and the test solution was sprayed uniformly onto the soil surface at a dose of 27.5 micrograms/cm². The pot was watered and placed in a greenhouse. The pot was watered intermittently and observed for seedling emergence, health of emerging seedlings, etc., for a 3-week period. At the end of this period, the herbicidal effectiveness of the compound was rated based on the physiological observations. A 0- to 100-scale was used, 0 representing no phytotoxicity, 100 representing complete kill. The results of these tests are summarized in Table 1.

Post-Emergent Herbicidal Test

The test compound was formulated in the same manner as described above for the pre-emergent test. This formulation was uniformly sprayed on 2 similar pots containing plants 2 to 3 inches tall (except wild oats, soybean and watergrass which were 3 to 4 inches tall) (approximately 15 to 25 plants per pot) at a dose of 27.5 microgram/cm². After the plants had dried, they were placed in a greenhouse and then watered intermittently at their bases as needed. The plants were observed periodically for phytotoxic effects and physiological and morphological responses to the treatment. After 3 weeks, the herbicidal effectiveness of the compound was rated based on these observations. A 0- to 100-scale was used, 0 representing no phytotoxicity, 100 representing complete kill. The results of these tests are summarized in Table 2.

                  TABLE 1                                                          ______________________________________                                         Pre-Emergence Herbicidal Activity                                              Broad-Leaf Plants                                                              % Phytotoxicity    Grasses                                                     Com-  Lambs                % Phytotoxicity                                     pound Quar-   Mus-   Pig- Soy- Crab  Water Wild                                No.   ter     tard   weed bean Grass Grass Oats Rice                           ______________________________________                                          1    68      50     60   30   100   100   78   99                              2    70      65     55   60   100   100   85   95                              3    15      0      0    0    100   98    0     0                              4    73      65     55   33   100   90    40   63                              5    60      65     50   55   100   100   83   43                              6    75      55     50   45   100   100   80   100                             7    75      75     60   90   100   100   93   100                             8    80      90     90   85   100   100   95   100                             9    35      0      35   40   100   100   85   100                            10    75      60     60   30   100   100   73   95                             11    70      65     45   75   100   100   70   80                             12    20      20     10   35   100   100   45   50                             13    60      60     60   0    100   100   68   60                             14    10      10     10   25   100   100   60   65                             15    45      23     0    10   100   100   35   30                             C-1   0       0      0    0    0     0     0     0                             C-2   0       0      0    0    0     0     0     0                             C-3   0       0      0    0    0     0     0     0                             C-4   0       0      0    0    0     0     0     0                             C-5   70      65     70   80   100   100   99   100                             16*  --      --     --   --   --    --    --   --                             17    50      35     25   65   100   100   80   65                             18    0       0      0    0    0     0     0     0                             19    55      30     40   35   90    70    40   25                              20*  --      --     --   --   --    --    --   --                             21    25      20     20   40   98    98    80   95                             22    35      0      0    70   100   99    90   90                             23    25      10     20   55   100   100   85   100                            24    20      0      0    20   100   90    85   90                             C-6   0       0      0    0    0     0     0     0                             C-7   65      45     50   50   100   98    70   85                             ______________________________________                                          *Not tested                                                              

                  TABLE 2                                                          ______________________________________                                         Post-Emergence Herbicidal Activity                                             Broad-Leaf Plants                                                              % Phytotoxicity    Grasses                                                     Com-  Lambs                % Phytotoxicity                                     pound Quar-   Mus-   Pig- Soy- Crab  Water Wild                                No.   ter     tard   weed bean Grass Grass Oats Rice                           ______________________________________                                          1    0       0      0    0    30    60    33   10                              2    70      55     90   65   35    85    55   13                              3    25      30     0    0    0     0     0    0                               4    65      50     40   48   18    60    20   0                               5    50      63     50   65   10    70    30   0                               6    0       0      0    0    35    35    30   25                              7    10      0      10   20   30    35    30   10                              8    0       35     30   50   20    45    45   25                              9    0       0      0    40   0     0     0    0                              10    0       0      0    40   40    65    30   40                             11    30      35     0    50   35    35    0    0                              12    0       0      0    0    10    20    15   10                             13    65      35     0    45   20    55    0    23                             14    0       30     0    35   0     0     0    0                              15    20      18     0    0    0     28    0    0                              C-1   0       33     0    0    0     0     0    0                              C-2   0       0      0    0    0     0     0    0                              C-3   0       0      0    0    0     0     0    0                              C-4   0       0      0    0    0     0     0    0                              C-5   40      35     50   70   30    65    25   10                              16*  --      --     --   --   --    --    --   --                             17    0       0      0    0    25    20    0    10                             18    0       0      0    0    0     0     0    0                              19    40      23     0    45   0     50    0    0                               20*  --      --     --   --   --    --    --   --                             21    0       0      0    0    15    0     0    0                              22    0       0      0    0    30    25    25   0                              23    20      25     10   30   10    10    50   15                             24    0       0      0    0    0     0     0    0                              C-6   30      0      0    0    0     0     0    0                              C-7   25      20     0    30   10    15    15   0                              ______________________________________                                          *Not tested                                                              

As can be seen from Tables 1 and 2, at the dosage tested the compositions of the present invention exhibited very good pre-emergence herbicide activity against grasses and in some instances also exhibited pre-emergence herbicide activity against broad-leaf plants and some post emergence activity. Comparison Compounds C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, and C-6 were inactive or exhibited very little activity. Whereas comparison compound C-5 exhibited good activity.

EXAMPLE 10

This test was conducted in the same manner as the test described in Example 9, hereinabove, except that the test formulations were further diluted to give the dosages indicated in Table 3 hereinbelow. The results of this test are summarized in Table 3 hereinbelow.

                                      TABLE 3                                      __________________________________________________________________________     Pre-Emergence Herbicidal Activity                                              Low Dosage Tests                                                                         Broad-Leaf Plants   Grasses                                                    % Phytotoxicity     % Phytotoxicity                                  Compound                                                                             Dosage                                                                             Lambs               Crab                                                                               Water                                                                              Wild                                     No.   γ/cm.sup.2 *                                                                 Quarter                                                                             Mustard                                                                             Pigweed                                                                             Soybean                                                                             Grass                                                                              Grass                                                                              Oats                                                                               Rice                                 __________________________________________________________________________     1     11  47   47   0    3    99  100 88  100                                  1     4.4 33   0    0    0    89  100 67  84                                   1     1.8 20   10   0    0    77  97  67  63                                   1     0.7 20   0    0    0    58  90  7   43                                   2     11  43   53   0    18   100 100 90  73                                   2     4.4 43   27   0    8    100 100 88  83                                   2     1.8 30   18   0    0    90  100 63  33                                   2     0.7 20   3    0    0    77  99  35  3                                    3     11  0    0    0    0    28  60  0   0                                    3     4.4 0    0    0    0    0   13  0   0                                    3     1.8 0    0    0    0    0   0   0   0                                    3     0.7 0    0    0    0    0   0   0   0                                    4     11  --   --   --   --   --  --  --  --                                   4     4.4 0    0    27   0    33  78  50  17                                   4     1.8 7    0    0    0    7   70  43  20                                   4     0.7 0    0    0    0    0   47  0   0                                    4     0.28                                                                               0    0    0    0    0   23  0   0                                    5     11  --   --   --   --   --  --  --  --                                   5     4.4 20   20   0    5    100 100 37  27                                   5     1.8 18   0    0    0    85  100 0   0                                    5     0.7 0    0    0    0    10  63  0   0                                    5     0.28                                                                               0    0    0    0    0   33  0   0                                    10    11  --   --   --   --   --  --  --  --                                   10    4.4 43   0    33   0    100 95  37  87                                   10    1.8 0    0    5    3    77  82  13  47                                   10    0.7 0    0    0    0    37  62  0   35                                   10    0.28                                                                               0    0    0    0    0   30  0   10                                   11    11  --   --   --   --   --  --  --  --                                   11    4.4 43   0    0    12   75  100 23  2                                    11    1.8 32   0    0    3    0   47  0   0                                    11    0.7 0    0    0    0    0   0   0   0                                    11    0.28                                                                               0    0    0    0    0   0   0   0                                    12    11  --   --   --   --   --  --  --  --                                   12    4.4 62   0    0    10   100 100 33  17                                   12    1.8 50   0    0    2    88  72  0   0                                    12    0.7 25   0    0    0    17  10  0   0                                    12    0.28                                                                               0    0    0    0    0   0   0   0                                    13    11  --   --   --   --   --  --  --  --                                   13    4.4 50   0    5    0    98  100 0   38                                   13    1.8 27   0    0    0    63  77  0   13                                   13    0.7 0    0    0    0    7   60  0   0                                    13    0.28                                                                               0    0    0    0    0   0   0   0                                    14    11  --   --   --   --   --  --  --  --                                   14    4.4 50   0    0    12   100 100 43  32                                   14    1.8 32   0    0    0    88  100 13  7                                    14    0.7 0    0    0    0    0   33  0   0                                    14    0.28                                                                               0    0    0    0    0   67  0   0                                    15    11  --   --   --   --   --  --  --  --                                   15    4.4 42   23   33   2    100 100 0   30                                   15    1.8 0    0    0    0    75  90  0   7                                    15    0.7 0    0    0    0    0   32  0   0                                    15    0.28                                                                               0    0    0    0    0   0   0   0                                    17    11  30   3    0    2    37  73  10  27                                   17    4.4 20   0    0    0    7   37  0   23                                   17    1.8 0    0    0    0    0   0   0   0                                    17    0.7 0    0    0    0    0   0   0   0                                    C-5   11  62   47   33   43   100 100 97  100                                  C-5   4.4 50   12   23   7    100 100 88  90                                   C-5   1.8 37   3    0    0    88  99  85  63                                   C-5   0.7 27   0    0    0    70  98  53  13                                   C-7   11  23   0    0    0    53  75  30  37                                   C-7   4.4 7    0    0    0    13  47  0   13                                   C-7   1.8 0    0    0    0    0   20  0   0                                    C-7   0.7 0    0    0    0    0   10  0   0                                    __________________________________________________________________________      *γ/cm.sup.2 = micrograms per square centimeter                     

EXAMPLE 11

In this example pre-emergence activity at reduced dosages were determined against an expanded variety of grassy weeds for certain of the compounds of Tables A and B and in certain instances against an expanded variety of weeds.

This test was conducted in the same manner as the test described in Example 9, hereinabove, with the exception of the increased dilution of the test compound and the expanded number of plant species. The results of this test are summarized in Tables 4-6 hereinbelow.

                                      TABLE 4                                      __________________________________________________________________________     Pre-Emergence Herbicidal Activity                                              Low Dosage Tests                                                                         Grasses                                                                        % Phytotoxicity                                                      Compound                                                                             Dosage                                                                             Crab                                                                               Water                                                                              Wild                                                                               Cheat                                                                              Johnson                                                                             Rye Switch                                                                             Yellow                                                                             Yellow                              No.   γ/cm.sup.2 *                                                                 Grass                                                                              Grass                                                                              Oats                                                                               Grass                                                                              Grass                                                                               Grass                                                                              Grass                                                                              Foxtail                                                                            Nutsedge                            __________________________________________________________________________     1     11  99  100 88  --  --   --  --  --  --                                  1     4.4 89  100 67  82  40   100 99  100 63                                  1     1.8 77  97  67  62  27   91  93  90  33                                  1     0.7 58  90  7   17/0                                                                                0   55/7                                                                               37/0                                                                               67/20                                                                               0                                  2     11  100 100 90  --  --   --  --  --  --                                  2     4.4 100 100 88  98  70   100 100 100 98                                  2     1.8 90  100 63  58  53   65  97  100 83                                  2     0.7 77  99  35  40/0                                                                               0    47/20                                                                              43/7                                                                               83/13                                                                              13/7                                7     11  --  --  --  --  --   --  --  --  --                                  7     4.4 100 100 13  --  63   --  --  93  82                                  7     1.8 88  95  0   --  20   --  --  63  20                                  7     0.7 8   63  0   --  0    --  --   7   0                                  7     0.28                                                                               0   32  0   --  0    --  --   0   0                                  8     11  --  --  --  --  --   --  --  --  --                                  8     4.4 100 100 80  97  93   100 100 100 100                                 8     1.8 99  100 40  78  72   100 93  100 83                                  8     0.7 86  94  0   53  37   58  90  82  75                                  8     0.28                                                                               57  73  0   17  0    17   7  33   0                                  9     11  --  --  --  --  --   --  13  --  --                                  9     4.4 100 100 23  87  57   99  94  92  73                                  9     1.8 65  97  0   52  38   55  78  53  15                                  9     0.7 0   62  0   32  0     7  17   3   0                                  9     0.28                                                                               0   10  0    0  0     0   0   0   0                                  C-5   11  100 100 97  --  --   --  --  --  --                                  C-5   4.4 100 100 88  100 72   100 100 100 95                                  C-5   1.8 88  99  85  63  7    93  99  97  53                                  C-5   0.7 70  98  53  38/0                                                                               0    65/30                                                                              43/7                                                                               70/47                                                                              27/0                                __________________________________________________________________________      *γ/cm.sup.2 = micrograms per square centimeter                     

                                      TABLE 5                                      __________________________________________________________________________     Pre-Emergence Herbicidal Activity                                              Low Dosage Tests                                                                         Broad-Leaf Crops                                                               % Phytotoxicity                                                      Compound                                                                             Dosage                    Sugar                                          No.   γ/cm.sup.2 *                                                                 Soybean                                                                             Alfalfa                                                                            Cotton                                                                             Peanuts                                                                             Peas                                                                               Beets                                                                              Tomatoes                                   __________________________________________________________________________     1     11  3    --  --  --   --  --  --                                         1     4.4 0    10  8   0    43  25  32                                         1     1.8 0    0   0   0    27  15   3                                         1     0.7 0    0   0   0     0   0   0                                         2     11  18   --  --  --   --  --  --                                         2     4.4 8    3   0   0    63  53  72                                         2     1.8 0    0   0   0    45  27  62                                         2     0.7 0    0   0   0    13/0                                                                               12/7                                                                               45/17                                      7     11  --   --  --  --   --  --  --                                         7     4.4 8    --  --  --   70  --  --                                         7     1.8 0    --  --  --   43  --  --                                         7     0.7 0    --  --  --   18  --  --                                         7     0.28                                                                               0    --  --  --    0  --  --                                         8     11  --   --  --  --   --  --  --                                         8     4.4 12   8   13  17   68  43  62                                         8     1.8 2    3   7   5    52  33  55                                         8     0.7 3    0   2   0    22   7  28                                         8     0.28                                                                               0    0   0   0     7   0   2                                         9     11  --   --  --  --   --  --  --                                         9     4.4 8    --  --  0    --  --  --                                         9     1.8 0    --  --  0    --  --  --                                         9     0.7 0    --  --  0    --  --  --                                         9     0.28                                                                               0    --  --  0    --  --  --                                         C-5   11  43   --  --  --   --  --  --                                         C-5   4.4 7    23  23  15   72  75  75                                         C-5   1.8 0    5   2   0    48  35  48                                         C-5   0.7 0    0   0   0    32/13                                                                              20/0                                                                               37/12                                      __________________________________________________________________________       *γ/cm.sup.2 = micrograms per square centimeter                    

                                      TABLE 6                                      __________________________________________________________________________     Pre-Emergence Herbicidal Activity                                              Low Dosage Tests                                                                         Broad-Leaf Weeds                                                               % Phytotoxicity                                                                               Grass Crops                                           Compound                                                                             Dosage                                                                             Lambs          % Phytotoxicity                                       No.   γ/cm.sup.2 *                                                                 Quarter                                                                             Mustard                                                                             Pigweed                                                                             Rice                                                                              Corn                                                                              Oats                                                                               Sorghum                                                                             Wheat                                  __________________________________________________________________________     1     11  47   47   0    100                                                                               -- --  --   --                                     1     4.4 33   0    0    87 60 96  70   98                                     1     1.8 20   10   0    63  7 73  53   96                                     1     0.7 20   0    0    43  0 22/0                                                                                2/0 33/0                                   2     11  43   53   0    73 -- --  --   --                                     2     4.4 43   27   0    83 95 94  95   92                                     2     1.8 30   18   0    33 60 73  68   60                                     2     0.7 20   3    0     3 20/0                                                                              37/0                                                                               27/3 25/3                                   7     11  --   --   --   -- -- --  --   --                                     7     4.4 --   --   --   80 73 83  83   73                                     7     1.8 --   --   --   63 63 68  73   57                                     7     0.7 --   --   --    0 20  7  27    2                                     7     0.28                                                                               --   --   --    0  0  0   0    0                                     8     11  --   --   --   -- -- --  --   --                                     8     4.4 --   --   --   100                                                                               92 98  98   97                                     8     1.8 --   --   --   98 72 92  85   92                                     8     0.7 --   --   --   57 40 43  42   23                                     8     0.28                                                                               --   --   --   33 13 13  10    8                                     9     11  --   --   --   -- -- --  --   --                                     9     4.4 --   --   --   82 72 88  73   53                                     9     1.8 --   --   --   28 33 42  38   23                                     9     0.7 --   --   --    7 12  0   0    0                                     9     0.28                                                                               --   --   --    0  2  0   0    0                                     C-5   11  62   47   33   100                                                                               -- --  --   --                                     C-5   4.4 50   12   23   90 97 99  100  100                                    C-5   1.8 37   3    0    63 70 85  70   92                                     C-5   0.7 27   0    0    13 35/0                                                                              72/22                                                                              33/7 63/10                                  __________________________________________________________________________      *γ/cm.sup.2 = micrograms per square centimeter                     

As can be seen from Tables 4-6, Compounds 1, 2, and 7-9 exhibit excellent pre-emergence grass herbicidal activity even at reduced dosages. Compounds 1 and 2 were also tested for safety with respect to a variety of crops and showed excellent safety for use with soybean, alfalfa, cotton and peanut crops. Further, Compounds 1 and 2 showed superior safety with respect to these crops over Compound C-5 and also with respect to corn in the case of Compound 1.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the invention described hereinabove and below in the claims can be made without departing from the essence and scope thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound having the formula: ##STR15## wherein: R is monosubstituted phenyl having its single substituent selected from the group of lower alkyl, and halo;R¹ is methyl or ethyl; R² and R³ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, or lower alkyl; and Z is oxo or ##STR16##
 2. The compound of claim 1 wherein Z is oxo.
 3. The compound of claim 1 wherein R¹ is methyl.
 4. The compound of claim 1 wherein R¹ is ethyl.
 5. The compound of claim 1 wherein R is a monosubstituted phenyl having its single substituent at the 2-position.
 6. The compound of claim 5 wherein R is 2-halophenyl.
 7. The compound of claim 6 wherein R is 2-chlorophenyl.
 8. The compound of claim 7 wherein R¹ is methyl.
 9. The compound of claim 8 wherein R² is methyl and R³ is methyl.
 10. The compound of claim 7 wherein R¹ is ethyl.
 11. The compound of claim 10 wherein R² is methyl and R³ is methyl.
 12. The compound of claim 1 wherein Z is ##STR17##
 13. An herbicidal composition comprising an herbicidally effective amount of a compound according to claim 1 effective to reduce the growth of green plants, and a compatible carrier.
 14. An herbicidal composition comprising an herbicidally effective amount of the compound of claim 9 effective to reduce the growth of green plants, and a compatible carrier.
 15. An herbicidal composition comprising an herbicidally effective amount of the compound of claim 11 effective to reduce the growth of green plants, and a compatible carrier.
 16. A composition of claim 13 wherein said composition contains an amount of said compound or mixtures thereof effective when applied to the growth medium of grasses to prevent or reduce the germination or early growth of grasses.
 17. A method for treating undesired vegetation which comprises supplying an herbicidally effective amount of a compound of claim 1 to the foliage or growth medium of said vegetation.
 18. A method for treating undesired vegetation which comprises supplying an herbicidally effective amount of a compound of claim 9 to the foliage or growth medium of said vegetation.
 19. A method for treating undesired vegetation which comprises supplying an herbicidally effective amount of a compound of claim 11 to the foliage or growth medium of said vegetation.
 20. A plant growth regulating composition comprising a compatible carrier and a plant growth regulating effective amount of a compound according to claim
 1. 